From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Kaduna State Government has signed a ₦1 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to strengthen the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector and boost job creation across the state.
A statement issued at the weekend by SMEDAN’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Prince Moshood Lawal, said the agreement was formalised by Governor Uba Sani and the Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, at a ceremony in Abuja.
Lawal said the MoU establishes a strategic partnership aimed at improving access to finance, expanding business development support services, and stimulating employment opportunities across Kaduna’s urban and rural communities.
Central to the partnership is a ₦1 billion Matching Fund Programme — with both parties contributing ₦500 million each — to provide affordable financing for nano, micro, and small enterprises in the state. The fund will support working capital needs and asset acquisition for eligible businesses.
Speaking at the event, Odii praised the Kaduna State Governor for creating an enabling environment for enterprise growth, adding that the state currently leads the SMEDAN dashboard in MSME registrations.
“Kaduna State’s position as a leader in MSME registration is no coincidence. It is a direct result of Governor Uba Sani’s strategic investments in human capital and enterprise development,” Odii said.
On his part, Governor Sani described the partnership as a critical step in unlocking the economic potential of Kaduna’s entrepreneurs.
“This partnership marks a bold step toward transforming Kaduna’s economic landscape and unlocking the full potential of our entrepreneurial talent,” he said.
He assured that the state government would consider an upward review of its contribution to the fund if the programme yields positive results within a short period.
“By pursuing the objectives in this MoU, we are directly addressing the root causes of financial exclusion, unemployment, poverty, and insecurity in our communities,” the governor added.
The initiative is expected to empower thousands of small businesses, deepen economic inclusion, and improve the overall standard of living in Kaduna State.